Merryhill teacher arrested, accused of lewd acts with student

SACRAMENTO - A Sacramento school teacher was arrested on Thursday following allegations of having an inappropriate relationship with a now former student.

Officer Michelle Gigante with the Sacramento Police Department said Michael Di Gino, 38,was accused by the alleged victim of sexually assaulting her multiple times at a location on the 7300 block of Park City Drive.

The location is Merryhill Prepartory School for grades fourth through eighth. Di Gino taught English and Language Arts there for 14 years.

Di Gino wasarrested on a charge of lewd acts with a child, Gigante said. The accuser is now in her late teens.

Merryhill released the following statement:

The well being and safety of our students is our top priority. We are shocked and appalled about the charges alleged to have taken place in 2009 against Michael Di Gino, who has now been terminated from our employment.

We have never had any concerns or complaints about this employee in the past, and we are aware that he has no prior criminal record.

We were first contacted by the Sacramento Police Department on Wednesday September 12th regarding the allegations against Mr. Di Gino, and we will cooperate fully with any investigative inquiries from the authorities.

Di Gino posted $400,000 bail and was released from jail.

According to Gigante, detectives believe there may be additional victims.

Police urged anyonewith information pertaining to this investigation to contact the dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.